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The term ‘fashion’ refers to a dominant mode of expression. Although the term ‘fashion’ can apply to a wide range of fields, from interior design and architecture to economics and technology, many people associate fashion with clothing. What a certain culture understands by fashion is goodness and beauty. What goes by these criteria will therefore be fashionable. What doesn’t fit in that particular mode of expression will be considered unfashionable. When used, the word ‘fashion’ usually has a positive meaning and is frequently associated with the concepts of style and glamour. However, when referring to a person as being materialistic or trendy, the term ‘fashion’ has a negative connotation.

The idea of making a statement through fashion goes back to the sixteenth century in Europe, so we can say that fashion is more than four centuries old. Still, what most people understand by fashion – expression through clothes – only began to express itself in the eighteenth century on the old continent.

Fashion varies depending on many factors, among which the most important are time and society. How fashion changes over time is more than obvious. Young and people have distinct concepts of fashion. Their perceptions of fashion are not interchangeable, as everyone knows it would be ridiculous to see an old man dressed in a young man’s clothes and the other way around. There are also multiple perceptions of fashion within a society, according to age, occupation, generation, social class and so on.

The most prominent feature of fashion is that it is constantly subjected to change. Not too many people regard this constant change as productive, since it encourages consumers to purchase things unnecessarily, just out of the pleasure of constantly experiencing something interesting and new.

As far as clothes are concerned, how can we decide what is fashionable what is unfashionable? How do we decide what to wear? Do we go by the latest fashion trends and become fashion victims, or do we stick to what we know looks good on us? Tough choice! The idea of fashion in the 21st century refers mostly to high-heeled shoes, handbags, sports suits, designer jeans and ripped jeans.

Jeans are a choice for many people, as they are easy to suit, practical and comfortable. Although most of the jeans are made from denim, they may also come in a variety of other fabrics. Jeans are most popular with teenagers, but they are now gaining popularity with other age categories as well. At their origin, the jeans were work clothes, but they began to be worn outside work places at the middle of the 20th century when they became popular among other social categories.

When most people think of jeans, they think of a casual way of dressing. The choice of color and style is a very wide one. Nowadays jeans come in so many styles that it is virtually impossible not to find at least one pair of jeans that will suit you perfectly.
But jeans don’t vary on color alone. There are also various types of jeans according to the fits. The jeans fits can go from straight or loose to slim, baggy or skinny, from high-waisted to superlow-waisted.

One thing’s for sure, jeans will never be unfashionable. A certain style will always be developed in order to keep up with the latest trends in fashion. So, if you want to be fashionable, but also comfortable, a pair of jeans is a safe choice.

Toronto is an ideal city for its wide variety of fashion, modeling and photography provisions. Many people have succeeded in this sector because of booming market that exists in the city and in Canada as a whole. Many tourists have toured the city to shop for wedding gowns designed by professional fashion designers. The city has numerous fashion photography and modeling agencies and these are constantly searching for different personalities to add to their portfolio of models. Professional models search for ideal photography agencies scattered throughout the city. Due to the ever-present competition in this field, fashion, photography and modeling agencies have developed websites where they market their services to possible clientele. Additionally, competition has favored consumers since they get inexpensive but top quality productions from these agencies. Due to availability of web services, one need not travel widely to purchase these services; all a person needs to do is book an appointment online thus saving one from transport hassles.

An ideal fashion photographer should have the necessary equipment, staff and an ideal location to ensure that the photography sessions canary on unhindered. Any fashion model looking to be represented by a certain photographer will have these qualities in mind to make certain that their careers are well on course. Cloth line owners’, house ware owners as well as salon designers in also hire fashion photographers. Competent fashion photographers are keen to satisfy one’s fashion needs. These needs include taking exceptional photos during a fashion event. A model uses these photographs to build their career photo portfolio.

Apart from participating in fashion, modeling and photography, these professionals offer services during wedding events. Toronto is one of the biggest honeymoon destinations due to its many beautiful sites and scenery. Wedding photography services in Toronto are up to standard and are available at affordable costs. An example of photography agency offering wedding photography services includes K.productions. The agency has thrived due to its professional services. Customers enjoy artistic and classical photography. Fashion, modeling and photography have created numerous job opportunities to thousands of young people in Canada. Among these, include wedding gown designers. They design gowns according to one’s taste and preference. Such individuals have skills of designing dresses to create a happy mood during the event. K. productions provide wedding photography as well as video services that focus to the very last detail.

Other special occasions where fashion, modeling and photography services are required include magazine fashion events. In such occasions, fashion designers design outfits for models to strut down elegantly designed runways. A fashion designer should choose the colors wisely depending on the nature of event taking place. In the same events, skilled fashion photography is required to produce quality photos, which are often used by the company while preparing the magazine. A photographer should produce photos rich in the fashion diversity depicted. In such occasions, both fashion designers as well as photographers should help models depict the outfits in their stylish manner. Growth in this industry has exceptional development in Toronto and other Canadian cities due to aggressive marketing.

You can tell a lot about a decade from its fashions. The 60s were defined by free love and hippy frocks. The 70s were all about the disco revolution. And the 80s gave us both preppy style and new wave neon. So what will the 00s, or the “noughties,” be known for? Foremost, we saw nods to eras past, with new twists on old looks. Fashion also developed a social conscience, with sustainable fabrics and manufacturing that reflected a greater awareness of ecological responsibility that will certainly carry over into the next decade. And of course, the noughties will be known for its fads. Let’s take a look at the fashion trends that will make it into the history books of fashion design schools, and more importantly, what you’ll wear in twenty years to the noughties party.

Boho chic. This look borrowed from gypsy and hippie influences, and was characterized by loose, flowing tops and skirts, the layering of fabrics and textures, and mixing of prints. The look was completed with oversized sunglasses, coin belts, and vintage beads. Fashion writers called the mishmash trend “heroin chic,” in which people paid a lot of money to look poor. The 60s and 70s-inspired trend remained popular, however, because it gave women the freedom to mix and match as they pleased.

Hip hop style. Urban-influences gave fashion street credibility, and whatever rappers wore eventually made it to runways. Several hip hop stars even launched their own fashion design labels. But just as hip hop music moved from the ghetto to the mainstream, so did hip hop style evolve. Rapper staples like hoodies, baggie jeans and track suits made their mark in the early part of the decade, but they gave way to the sophisticated dandy look of blazers, pink polo shirts, and cardigans. It was 80s preppy with hip hop swagger.

Form fitting silhouettes. The baggy, loose-fitting fashions from the nineties had to be emptied from our closets as we favored tighter fits. Those old wide leg pants with pleats were out, and the decade ushered in the popularity of the skinny, low rise jean. Drainpipe styles like we hadn’t seen since the 60s were popular for both women and men. The ultimate example of the tight clothing trend was leggings, which made a big comeback in the decade. They were paired with long, fitted tops, baby doll dresses, and even mini skirts.

Celebrity obsession. The past decade saw fashionistas following and imitating celebrities like never before. The paparazzi stalked young Hollywood with a frenzy matched only by fans’ desire to dress like their favorite starlets. We scrutinized the accessories and shoes of fashion forward television characters. Everyone asked, “Who are you wearing” on the red carpet, making household names of previously unknown fashion designers. And finally, reality shows centered around fashion made celebrities out of budding stylists, dressmakers and fashion school grads, so that whatever they created was snapped up instantly by the celebrity and fashion obsessed.

Sustainable materials. The noughties brought with it an awareness of environmentally responsible fabrics and materials. People began asking what things were made of, and how eco-friendly they were. Clothing made with organic cotton, hemp and linen have grown in demand, and will continue to do so. Technological innovations also gave us a new crop of sustainable materials like fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles or carpet padding, and shoe rubber made from recycled tires.

Fair trade manufacturing. Although many shoppers marveled at the low prices of their clothing, they also began questioning the true cost of the items as they asked how and where the apparel was manufactured. Working conditions were scrutinized, and companies that could claim “made in America” enjoyed a competitive advantage. Some companies donated a portion of their sales to environmental causes, and one donated a pair of shoes to a needy child with every pair sold.

Shoes with a gimmick. Their sartorial merits continue to be debated, but some unique footwear made a huge splash this decade. Brightly colored plastic gardening clogs with ventilation holes were wildly popular. Sheepskin boots that were once previously only worn après-ski were displayed après-everything. And shoes with built-in wheels let people glide through the streets straight into their orthopedic doctor’s office.

White trash fashion. True, “white trash” is a stereotype, but hipsters in the noughties embraced it as a badge of honor. Trucker hats, white tank tops and tees, mechanic’s shirts and cowboy boots became the height of fashion. It was a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll.

Shrunken men’s clothes. Grown men suddenly looked like they were shopping in the boys department, as fashion design arbiters favored the shrunken clothing look. Suit jackets were tighter and shorter. Trouser legs broke above the shoe, baring the ankles. And for a brief period, Capri pants for men were even in vogue.

Big belts. Once upon a time, belts were made to keep your pants up. Thanks to the noughties, they’re huge (both literally and figuratively) on top of dresses, t-shirts, and yes, pants (but not necessarily within the loops). They’re also studded with jewels and feature gigantic buckles that rival the size of Rhode Island.

Fashion does not have any age, time or span; it cannot be limited to any specific kind. Fashion has spread across in every possible aspect of our life. Be it clothes, accessories, make-up, lifestyle commodities or hair it is an icon which reflects one’s choice and attitude. Fashion Hairstyles has recently emerged as an evolution to set up a new era or Oomph and wimps. It has stepped in as a very important step to make an individual complete and stand out.

A fashionable hairstyle can contribute to make a huge difference to your personality. An Expensive wardrobe with accessories and makeup turns waste if your Hairstyle is not as elegant as they are. Hairstyle speaks and adds to your personality; in fact it sometimes reflects the character of the person. Fashion and trendy hairstyles for men, women and kids are changing with pace and are in demand. People are spending time at saloons and with hair experts to catch up with hair care and fashion.

It is rightly believed that Fashion hair styles can help you stand out in the crowd as it gives you the confidence to carry yourself. Fashion has no landmark so there are different types of hairstyles that men and women can try on. You could opt for stylish short hairdo like pixie and bob which will always be in fashion or give volume to your long hair by cutting it in layers, streaks.

There are a number of fashion hairstyles for women that are always in trend like spikes, curls, fringes and bob. Little changes like the sideburns styling can make a remarkable change style in mens fashion hairstyle and catch attention. A regular update with the latest punk hairstyle whether it is at work or a party makes you look fashionable and chic. Even the celebrities are experimenting with coolest and wildest hairstyles now and then which make it more difficult to decide which hairstyle can be the best. A hairstyle which is in fashion but not necessarily suits you is of no use, as every individual has his own fashion quotient and should carry the one he is comfortable with.

Always select a hairstyle that will suit you. Following the fashion icons does not mean that you will get down getting yourself embarrassed in the crowd. Always check out few outlines before following it like always consider your height, body structure, the shape of your jaw line and head which will determine weather the type of hair style will suit you or not. There length of the hair should be a personal choice and suitable to your jaw and head.

So, go for any Fashionable chic style or punk look or that cool dude, but always remember to wear a Fashionable Hairstyles which you can carry not the one which carries you off the head.

Fashion is all around us and no matter if we like watching the fashion shows on TV or simply look in glossy magazines, we are surrounded by it. In many capitals of the world fashion is an important subject and one of the major concerns for young girls (and not only them!). But where exactly is the capital of Fashion?

This is an ongoing battle between the most famous capitals that also hold some of the famous Fashion Weeks. If last year the top places in the chart where occupied by Milan, New York, Paris, Rome and London, this year according to the Global Language Monitor’s annual global survey things have changed dramatically. The state of the financial environment has also affected the fashion industry just like anything else. The fashion shows were still abundant, the catwalks were still crowded but the fashion buzz was a lot dimmer.

This year’s top ten fashion capitals of the world include (1 through 10):

Milano – The city that managed to overtake New York but also some other important cities on the fashion radar such as Rome and Paris.

New York – After five years when it occupied the first position, being the world’s capital of fashion, NY was overtaken by Milano this year.

Paris – Even if most fashionistas consider Paris to be the all time capital of fashion, the media has another opinion this is why the city only occupies a decent number 3.

Rome – The city where fashion meets the Italian beauty and the place where women don’t go outside without make-up, Rome still hold strong at number 4.

London – Despite the bad weather and bad food, London still remains in Top 5 fashion capitals of the world. The British fashion icons put a strong fight so that is remains here.

Los Angeles – The place where the sun shines all year long and where girls have fashion contests to see which one is better dressed, The city of Angels is situated this year at number 6.

Hong Kong – With a different culture, that we sometimes have difficulties understanding, Hong Kong is the number one fashion capital in the Asia/Pacific ( leaping over Tokyo ) and number 7 in the World Wide chart.

Sao Paolo – The beauty of the Brazilian girls and the fashion tastes has made Sao Paolo rise remarkably and take the lead in the Latin-American scene.

Sydney – The Australian delicate beauty surely helped as Sydney is still in Top Ten while Melbourne sinks dramatically.

Las Vegas – The hot dessert, the celebrities and the continuous media spotlight makes Las Vegas occupy the tenth position in this fashion chart.

You can make a killing in fashion with creativity and upfront help from Fashion Angel Investors. Despite being a risky venture, the fashion industry has the potential of churning out money spinners. If you are endowed with artistic skills and can create new wonders in the world of fashion, it is the business area that you should be in. It is easy to kick start your venture with help from investors who have an eye on fashion.

Get funding for a wide array of fashion business ideas

As the fashion industry involves a wide gamut of activities, you can raise capital for a wide array of ventures like designers, retailers, wholesalers, modeling agents and scouts, models, manufacturing and importing different ranges of fashion garments and accessories. If you have an idea ticking in your head that has the potential to create raves in the fashion world, your best bet would be to fall back on Fashion Angel Investors to kick start your venture.

It is not that only skills in fashion can see you through as you need loads of expertise in running a successful business enterprise as well. You need to manage and plan fund allocation to ensure profitability of your fashion business. A super creative idea needs to be nurtured and honed for the fruits to show in the short and the long term as well. Fashion Angel Investors are on the lookout for surefire profitability and they are willing to go the extra mile to finance a winning scheme.

Before jumping into the fray, do some real time research. But you can also benefit by filling out a simple form and getting a survey done. It would help the investors assess your case and update you about the latest developments while providing upfront information on comparative analysis of your competitors. You know instantly where you stand in terms of your venture and how others are faring in the industry.

Angel investors identify surefire profitable ideas

As the investors usually fund entrepreneurs near their area of operations, work hard to attract markets far away from you. Depending only on local customers can restrict your growth and profitability as you would be missing out on sizzling markets elsewhere. To make the most of your creative venture, check out online sales possibilities to take your business to the next level. Instead of only local customers, open your products to the entire world.

Fashion business is characterized by ruthless competition and to stay on the top, you need to be extra vigilant and never let go of an opportunity. Investors come like angels to fund fashion ideas and they have a nose for identifying the right ventures that can yield reasonable surefire profits to ensure they get good returns. With experts having years of business experience behind them, Fashion Angel Investors can make your dream venture come true.

Society and parents in general tend to be wary towards encouraging people to work in Fashion for good reason. Firstly, they are right about the industry’s highly selective employment. They’re also right when they say that Fashion is “not what it seems” even though they probably have no idea what they really talking about. But before you decide to throw in the towel and take up accounting courses, or look for a no-brainer 9-5 job, here are a few fashion design careers to consider!

The Popular Path

A fashion designer’s job seems to be surrounded by the glitz and glamour of having your works appearing on glossy magazines and the season’s hottest celebrities. It’s a no-brainer that people want to be fashion designers just like how some covet to be millionaires. To take this career path, you need a strong design portfolio. Prior work experience in fashion will be an advantage. So this is where being an intern during your holidays pay off.

There are two kinds of Fashion Designers:

The In-house Designer:

You will work with a fashion company and design clothes according to their guidelines. The company will own the rights to your designs while you draw a monthly salary from them. Depending on the scale of the company, you may work alone or with a team. Be an in-house designer if you have plans to join the big wigs like Fendi, Gucci, Prada or Louis Vuitton.

The Freelancer:

Freelancers work for themselves and sell their designs to fashion houses, directly to shops or to manufacturers. After building a good name, you’ll probably start getting people commissioning you for design work. Freelance Designers have the flexibility of work hours and tend to command higher wages, but keep in mind that financial stability is at high risk. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to work as an in-house designer for some experience first before attempting a freelance career.

Other Possible Paths

Most people don’t study fashion design specifically to join these ranks, but if you found that designing isn’t your cup of tea somewhere through your course; these are jobs in the industry that you can consider:

Fashion Buyer:

You will be responsible for travelling around and buying suitable fashions for shops or departmental stores. Your knowledge in Fashion Design will help you to predict trends or identify quality, giving you an edge for this job.

Fashion Journalist:

You will write articles about fashion and source for newsworthy stories in your field. With in-depth fashion know-how and garment composition, you’ll make a perfect critic and can dish out fantastic fashion advice.

Wedding photography:

You will plan locations and carry out photoshoots with newly weds or bridal studios. By knowing the ins and outs of a fashion shoot, you can make a couple look awesome in their matrimony garb.

Verdict

If you find yourself jobless long after you’ve graduated with your fashion design degree, all is not lost. It just means that your portfolio needs a revamp. Read up fashion magazines for inspiration and start sketching for a variety of genres. Employers judge designers by their portfolio because it’s the most accurate representation of the owner that no résumé, job experience or testimonial can replace. It portrays your education, experience and personal style. With the right attitude, the possibilities are endless! If the world is not providing you with any shortcuts, the best solution is to make one yourself.

Do you want to look fashionable? I am going to show you where to get fashion styling tips, ideas, and fashion inspiration for free. It will be just like having your own free online fashion stylist. I am going to share with you 5 online sites for free online fashion inspiration.

1. Pinterest is a very cool site. Pinterest is a pin-board-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, and hobbies. For example lets say there is a black pencil skirt that is in need of styling. Following a search for black pencil skirt, there would be provided dozens of images of different ways to style a black pencil skirt.

Another cool thing about Pinterest is you can then create boards, or follow boards created by other people. For example, one can search for things like: Fall or Winter trends, or fashion inspiration. Fashion is personal. Find a fashion board that you can identify with and be inspired.

2. Instagram is an online photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos. Instagram can be searched by using hashtags. For example, I will use the same example of the black pencil skirt. Search hashtag #blackpencilskirt for styling options. Other good hashtags to use are: #ootd, #fashionblogger, #fashionblog, #lookbook, #fashiontrends, and #lookoftheday. The last two are my favorite #ootnmagazine and #oliviapalermo (Olivia Palermo is an online fashion trendsetter) and a personal favorite of mine.

3. Polyvore is a new way to discover and shop for things you love. On this site you can shop sets. Sets are fashion outfits put together by the users. For example you can search sets that feature a black pencil skirt. Or if you want a black pencil skirt you can search for the best option that fits your style. The cool thing about this site is that searched items can be purchased. This site is also good for fashion bloggers, as a set can be created and posted directly onto your blog.

4. Follow fashion bloggers. Fashion is personal so a key will be to find the blogger that bet fits your style. How to find fashion blogger sites: Google search, Instagram, Polyvore, Twitter, and YouTube.

A year back, while evading my Science textbook (these were the horror days before the Boards), I came across an article (I’m not naming any names) by the columnist of a reputed British publication. It was headed “Why I Hate Fashion”. Following was an article outlining why the writer has long since been plagued by the ridiculously high standards and expectations of the fashion industry and it’s ever changing trends. It ostracizes the industry wholly and waxes eloquent about the useless-ness of fashion media and the lack of talent of the designers.

Everything about the article pin points to the direction of what I detest about people who make judgments without understanding the intricacies. They have deluded themselves into believing that what Hayden Penetierre donned to the Oscar red carpet or what J-Lo stocks her closet with is the crux of the idea of style. Fashion, as a way to express your individuality may not be what translates into the consumerism of Topshop and Selfridges but for many of us, it’s an art form that we swear by.

Admittedly, there is a shallow, superficial side to it but as Robin Givhan, the Pulitzer prize winning fashion writer once said and I quote “fashion is not innately superficial, the way is portrayed is”.

And why is all the criticism aimed at fashion? Doesn’t Vodafone lure you into snagging the latest prepaid scheme, LG urges you to splurge for a new flat screen, Hyundai wants to buy a new car, Penguin wants you to read the work of the new bestseller (and you’re sort of obligated to do so, just to sound relevant and informed), John Mayer wants you to buy his new album, food critics want you to bring home this kind of lettuce and another kind of grapes and the list is endless! At the end of the day, the overriding fact remains that fashion is what you make of it.

If you choose to be influenced so deeply by advertisements of supermodel Coco Rocha sequined hot pants and then sit in a corner and brood and sulk about how you don’t have those endless legs or that captivating a face then that eventually pin points towards your hidden insecurities and not the “evil” of the fashion industry.

Fashion, much like everything else, is really up to you. Indulge in it, or don’t. But don’t generalize and proclaim that anybody that believes in it as a cause is heading towards their own execution and is thoroughly unhappy “on the inside”. 70% of the professionals working in the industry are not a size o and not 6 feet tall and, are by no means the size or, even to an extent the height that a multitude of digitally modified fashion magazines depict. So, just because I like to decipher the meaning of novel designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy’s inspiration of Japanese horror movies to make their exquisite dresses and sweaters, you can’t influence me and you can’t make me feel any less capable of having a smart conversation.

Do me a favor. Step outside and go to Paris, Madrid, New York, Tokyo or even Delhi and take a look around at the men and women who take out time from their evidently busy schedules to put together a creative outfit! Whose accessorizing is no individualistic, you know something about them just by observing what they’re wearing. They’re real people; people with jobs, families, pets and interests.

It’s sort of comical and quite sad that the writer is completely misguiding the hundrers who read her column and is trying hart to revive and reiterate the tired old myth that fashion is for the frivolous, stupid and intellectually devoid. I have friends who are Physics majors and still love Haider Ackermann. People with hopes, dreams and wishes, something that women like the writer cannot take away from them.

“Fashion is, perhaps by necessity, in a world of its own – one that only rarely overlaps with anything resembling real life. This fantasy and exoticism is part of its appeal, of course.”- Vince Aletti

To people such as her, I say, go read some Robin Givhan or some Suzy Menkes, some Cathy Horyn and more recently, even some Tavi Gevinson. Watch a live Gareth Pugh or Alexander McQueen (R.I.P) show. Read Pigeons and Peacocks and i-D and Numero and Lula. See the work that Richard Avedon did, not solely for the fashion industry but for photography as an art on the whole. How he introduced movement into still life and created magic with couture and a camera. Read about the Mulleavy sisters’ completely unglamorous background. I could go on. If, after doing all this you still believe that fashion is for the brainless then you’re proving that you, yourself are veering towards that territory.

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.”- Gore Vidal

I think every industry does exactly the same. I think people are more vicious about mobile phones than how people dress. Every ad will show some arch Indie type with an ironic afro walking along an idealized landscape with a retro guitar ballad behind it. I do not believe getting a Sony Ericsson phone will make me whimsical, cooler nor my friends good looking. And every ad for a car shows a suave, chiseled jaw chap in a European designer suit with no tie casually slinging his jacket over his shoulder as he remote-locks his car, having sped around some gorgeous city on one wheel with suspension like bungee ropes. I do not believe owning a car will make me that (well, obviously not male, but you know what I mean).

“Fashion is teated too much as news, rather than what it is, what it does and how it performs.”- Geoffrey Beene
I find it pretty silly that the very same people who talk about fashion being a consumerist evil, designed to bring people to their knees, broke and insecure are the ones who refuse to understand fashion in it’s more alternative forms. To invalidate the work of Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Y, and suchlike is to insult their undeniable artistic talent.

Nobody who spent a truckload on a Botticelli or a Monet would be deemed stupid, but someone who does so on a Prada or YSL piece is undeniably so?

Let’s take a more common, everyday example. Lots spend thousands on “season tickets” for sports. But if I spend the same amount on shoes, then I am frivolous and materialistic.

This ideology that everyone interested in fashion is doing the designers’ bidding of the season is exactly the kind of inverse snobbery that pisses the hell out of me. Everyone has some form of fashion incorporated in their lives. Heck, Meryl Streep as the icy editor in chief of Devil Wears Prada (entertaining movie but totally misguiding, again) summed it just about right:

“This… stuff? Oh, so you think this has nothing to do with you? You… you, go to your closet and pick out, let’s say that lumpy blue sweater because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know that that blue is not just blue, it’s not turquoise or lapis, it is in fact cerulean. You are also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent, wasn’t it, who did cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it’s sort of comical how you think you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry, when, in fact you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you from the people in this very room. From a pile of… stuff.”

People who wear combats when clogs are the “it” shoes and carry pale pink bags when studs are all the rage represent the radical chic, truly interesting side of fashion that these people are sadly, unaware of.

And the masses of chick lit books produced everyday may come across as hideous to many, but you don’t see people running around screaming “OMG literature is the root of all that is wrong with the world!”

It’s insane that people continue to say that consumerist fashion is worse than other commercial capitalist industry.

It’s hugely unfeminist to condemn something that has helped women across the world take massive strides in society, as well.

‘I don’t understand it, therefore it’s wrong’ + a dollop of self-righteous smugness = fashion is for the brainless sheep and the industry is horrible.

Finally, let’s just say that as a columnist, it’s the writer’s purpose to evoke varied responses and she did so. I mean, the first thing I thought upon laying my eyes on it was ” WAIT… WHAT?”

Fashion merchandising is designed for individuals who enjoy keeping up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, and wish to become knowledgeable about fabrics and textiles. Those who participate in fashion merchandising programs are typically very interested in current fashion, as well as creating their own fashion trends. If friends are always asking, “Where did you get that great _____? I’ve never seen anything like it!” then this type of program may a perfect fit.

Not only will students in these programs learn about the materials with which clothes and accessories are created, but they will also be introduced to the manufacturing, buying, promoting, and selling processes. Another important skill students may gain is the ability to fashion forecast, which involves being able to predict which fashions will sell well in stores, as well as analyzing other stores, magazines, and competitor prices to see which fashions are selling.

Being able to work independently is a valuable skill to possess, but fashion merchandisers must also be able to work with a team. The input of others is valuable in this field, as one individual may see an issue others have missed. Merchandisers must also coordinate with financial departments, buyers, product development teams, and manufacturers in their line of work.

While in this program, students should also receive a history of the fashion world. Often, trends return may years later, reemerging with a new twist, or just in the same way they were worn in the beginning. One such example is leggings, which were popular in the 1960s and 70s, and resurfaced again in the 2000s. Understanding the history of fashion will also be useful when dealing with vintage items and being able to discuss certain topics with other fashion-forward individuals.

Those who wish to follow this career path should also be prepared to develop exceptional math and accounting skills. These skills will be necessary in the processes of design, production, and cost planning. Knowledge of certain formulas should also be understood in order to calculate markup, cost of goods sold, and return on investment. These individuals are also often in charge of analyzing sales numbers, managing a budget, planning sales, setting pricing, and deciding when to liquidate inventory.

Students should also be studying different brands and retailers throughout the course of these programs. Understanding exactly where particular interests may assist in the job search after graduation. Studying certain companies may also be helpful, as some companies’ products encompass all available trends and items, while others focus on a handful of products.